An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
hardcover 295 pages
published by Grand Central Publishing in 2010
ISBN-13: 9780446573641
Type: {Commuter Read: format lends easily to starting/ stopping}
Rating: {I’m Lovin’ It: Very entertaining!}
Why You’re Reading It:
- The art world intrigues you
- You’re a fan of Steve Martin
- Novels about realistic human character float your boat
What I Thought:
Steve Martin got quite a hefty chunk of talent when the gods were doling out the goods, didn’t he? Successful comedian, playwright, actor, musician, and novelist? Either he’s naturally blessed or a crazy over-achiever. Either way, we get to benefit from it, so do we really care? Via his new novel we are treated to actual pictures of the works of art mentioned in the prose, and short chapters which add to the flow of the story.
In An Object of Beauty, he follows (mostly) Lacey during her years after college to the beginning of her adulthood, through the eyes of an old college friend, Daniel. We start watching Lacey, a recent Art History graduate, while she is a working in the basement of Sotheby’s. Lacey desperately wants to be an important part of the art scene in New York, and we watch as she climbs the art world’s social ladder by various means (one only hinted at and not fully disclosed until the end of the book). But while we are are distracted by Lacey’s facade of advancing in her career, let’s not miss the fact that this book is also a study of a woman who doesn’t really know how to be herself. She only knows how to act like who she wants to be, and she does it well. Lacey did not come from a particularly wealthy family (no monetary help to get her started in the prestigious art world) nor did she adore edgy art (though her career was spot in the middle of a modern art boom). And she didn’t start out knowing the “right” people, or even being liked by them, however, he was a keen observer of who they were, and she quickly made herself as attractive as possible to them (not just through sexuality, though that did have a part) and knowledgable about their world.
Not only does Martin have a wonderful ability to write an intelligent novel about a subject that the reader doesn’t need to know much about to be able to enjoy the story, but he has a knack for making you feel like you understand the subject and want to learn more. He also is a keen observer of human beings, and writes an incredibly realistic character in the form of Lacey. A woman who would give her own self to be not only noticed, but admired and revered in a world that she desperately wants to belong to, while all the while pretending she already does. What’s even more poignant is realistic ending of this novel. Martin does not write a fairy tale, nor does he write a heartbreaker. He writes life. And life, is just life — it’s not typically fancy and we don’t all end up famous, but we all have a story to tell. This one is Lacey’s.
It’s funny, my review of this book also remarked on how crazy talented Steve Martin is! He really does seem to have all the talent, doesn’t he? This was the first book by him that I have read but I was so impressed by it and can’t wait to read his other novels now.
I haven’t read his other work either, but have definitely seen the movies he’s written, which I enjoyed. I’m curious to read Shopgirl now (even though I saw the movie) just to see the style of his writing in it.
I’ve never read anything by Steve Martin but I did enjoy the movie Shopgirl and was surprised how thoughtful and moving Martin’s story was. I’m interested to read this one, particularly living in New York and being a few years out of college myself (okay, more than “a few” but not too many). Thanks for the heads up on this one!
Oh definitely read it then… New York is basically a character in the story so that will be fun for you!
I’m really looking forward to reading this one. I love art and Shopgirl was a fantastic read (years ago). I’m glad you liked this one!
You’ll really like it if you like art. Not that you have to to enjoy the book, but I’m sure if you are knowledgable in that area it would be even more interesting to you.
I adored Steve Martin’s previous two novels – Shopgirl and The Pleasure of My Company. But this one was hard for me to get into. I made it a little less than halfway and threw in the towel. I felt nothing for the main character Lacey and really couldn’t summon the interest required to read about the “arts”…
I still believe he is one of the most talent people out there, but this one was just a flop for me.
That’s too bad, especially since you like the author’s other work- but you can’t win ‘em all, right? Even if you’re Steve Martin!
I didn’t care for Lacey either (in fact, I didn’t really like her), but she interested me because she reminded me so much of so many people here in LA in their 20′s and 30′s… trying so hard to fit into a culture that they want to be part of.
Steve Martin is so intriguing. I may have to get a biography…
Is there a good one out there about him?
So glad you enjoyed this one. Its one of my favorite reads so far this year. I just absolutely enjoyed reading all about Lacey navigating her way through the art world and loved looking at the paintings that they were discussing in the book. Plus, I just loved finding out how amazingly talented Steve Martin is. I think I mentioned being surprised by his talent in my post, too. Great post! Can’t wait to discusson GR. Cheers!
I love Steve. Did I ever tell you about the time he borrowed my shampoo and never returned it? Seriously.
Ti! You are full of all sorts of interesting stories. No, you have not told me about that… and inquiring minds want to know.
Great review. I enjoyed this book as well. It was one of my first reads of the year. I was already fascinated by the art world and I felt like the book gave me an insider’s glimpse.
I’ve first heard of this book through Steph and immidiately added it to the wishlist. I didn’t even knew he also wrote novels. I’m glad to see you also approve of it
It goes perfectly with my Art Business theme for the One, Two Theme Challenge.
Definitely eager to read this one now! I loved Shopgirl years ago and often marvel, too, that Steve Martin is so talented in so many areas.